WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – As the 2023-34 NFL season charges towards the playoffs, former Purdue football players showcased their talent and resilience in Week 16, leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron. Notably, the week featured a thrilling Pro Boiler matchup between former teammates, adding an extra layer of excitement for Purdue fans.
On Christmas Day in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell faced off against his former teammate and Kansas City Chief George Karlaftis in a contest that defied conventional expectations. O'Connell completed 9-of-21 passes for 62 yards, while Karlaftis finished with one solo tackle. Despite not completing a pass in the latter half of the game, O'Connell's leadership and strategic decision-making played a pivotal role in taking down the division leader with a final score of 20-14. This Christmas contest will go down in history, as O'Connell handed Patrick Mahomes his first loss to a rookie quarterback in his career.
The touchdown train continued to roll down in Miami with Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert adding yet another touchdown to his league-leading total of 21 this season. The Dolphins defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a thrilling Christmas Eve matchup with Mostert rushing for 46 yards on 11 attempts along with a four-yard touchdown catch. With this performance, Mostert reached a significant milestone in his career by achieving his first 1,000-yard rushing season at age 31. In a league that often sees young stars emerging, Mostert's season stands out as a reminder that experience, coupled with unwavering determination, can lead to remarkable achievements. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a league-leading touchdown scorer exemplifies the unpredictability and beauty of football.
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – Eight tackles, five solo, one quarterback hit vs. Denver
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – One target, one reception for a loss of one vs. Pittsburgh
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Three targets, two receptions, 30 receiving yards, one six-yard carry vs. Chicago
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – One target, one 25-yard reception vs. Jacksonville
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Two targets, one six-yard reception vs. Houston
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – Played 67% of special teams snaps vs. Pittsburgh
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Played 59% of special teams snaps vs. Baltimore
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – Played two offensive snaps and one special teams snap vs. New Orleans
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Inactive
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Reese Taylor (Denver) – Practice Squad
• Anthony Brown (New York Jets) – Practice Squad
• Cory Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
• Jordan Roos (Tennessee) – Signed to Practice Squad
On Christmas Day in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell faced off against his former teammate and Kansas City Chief George Karlaftis in a contest that defied conventional expectations. O'Connell completed 9-of-21 passes for 62 yards, while Karlaftis finished with one solo tackle. Despite not completing a pass in the latter half of the game, O'Connell's leadership and strategic decision-making played a pivotal role in taking down the division leader with a final score of 20-14. This Christmas contest will go down in history, as O'Connell handed Patrick Mahomes his first loss to a rookie quarterback in his career.
The touchdown train continued to roll down in Miami with Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert adding yet another touchdown to his league-leading total of 21 this season. The Dolphins defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a thrilling Christmas Eve matchup with Mostert rushing for 46 yards on 11 attempts along with a four-yard touchdown catch. With this performance, Mostert reached a significant milestone in his career by achieving his first 1,000-yard rushing season at age 31. In a league that often sees young stars emerging, Mostert's season stands out as a reminder that experience, coupled with unwavering determination, can lead to remarkable achievements. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a league-leading touchdown scorer exemplifies the unpredictability and beauty of football.
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – Eight tackles, five solo, one quarterback hit vs. Denver
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – One target, one reception for a loss of one vs. Pittsburgh
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Three targets, two receptions, 30 receiving yards, one six-yard carry vs. Chicago
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – One target, one 25-yard reception vs. Jacksonville
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Two targets, one six-yard reception vs. Houston
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – Played 67% of special teams snaps vs. Pittsburgh
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Played 59% of special teams snaps vs. Baltimore
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – Played two offensive snaps and one special teams snap vs. New Orleans
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Inactive
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Reese Taylor (Denver) – Practice Squad
• Anthony Brown (New York Jets) – Practice Squad
• Cory Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
• Jordan Roos (Tennessee) – Signed to Practice Squad